The Patek Philippe Aquanaut: The Ultimate Vacation Watch

Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to start planning those much needed beach getaway trips. It’s something we all need (trust us). Naturally, having a killer watch on the wrist is another great way to keep yourself vacation-ready. We want to draw your attention to something a little less common than the everyday diver, though. It’s the Patek Philippe Aquanaut – a watch that many people overlook. So if you’re looking for something special from Patek but less “buttoned-up,” this may be the best choice for you. After all, you can’t go wrong when it comes to Patek’s sport models.

Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168G-001

Patek Philippe introduced the Aquanaut 20 years ago. As a result, they’ve announced a commemorative edition, the 5186G, in white gold. The watch preserves all of the Aquanaut style essentials with modern construction, a clean look, and its trademark comfy rubber strap. Patek bumped up the size to 42mm to keep up with contemporary standards and really, it’s a smart move. Bold wrist presence is something a lot of watch fans are after these days and this Aquanaut clearly delivers. Price is $38,557 when purchasing the watch directly from Patek Philippe.

Travel Time Variants

If you like to keep tabs on a couple of different time zones while you’re away, Patek also produces a range of “travel time” variants. The latest is the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time Ref. 5650G Advanced Research. This watch adds local and home time tracking functions and two key innovations integrated into the movement: the “compliant mechanism” which allows adjusting the GMT hand forward or backwards, and a re-designed Spiromax balance spring that features better balance for improved timekeeping. Advanced Research models go above and beyond the “typical” Patek. They serve as a great option for anyone seeking the added exclusivity of something extra special from the brand.

Older References

There are still also plenty of older Patek Philippe Aquanauts floating around the second hand market. While these may not have all of the fancy upgrades, they still serve as a great option for more budget-conscious buyers. Take this 5066 for example. The smaller case balances well with the dimensions of the movement, resulting in a sophisticated yet casual look that’s perfect for time away from the office.

As you can see, Patek Philippe Aquanauts really hold on to their value and the original design philosophy. Finding the right one can be difficult but it’s easier with Gray & Sons at your side. Be sure to browse our selection of Patek Philippe Aquanaut watches or stop by our showroom today!